Blocked Tear Duct Treatment

Constantly watery eyes can be more than an inconvenience. If your eyes tear excessively, develop discharge, or repeatedly become irritated or infected, a problem with your tear drainage system may be responsible.

Tear duct disorders can prevent tears from draining normally from the eye into the nose. A blocked or narrowed tear duct, also called nasolacrimal duct obstruction or dacryostenosis, can cause tears to overflow onto the cheek even when you are not crying.

At Tower Clock Eye Center, patients throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have access to comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for conditions affecting the eyelids and tear drainage system. Dr. Jack Komro completed advanced fellowship training in oculofacial plastic surgery, including conditions involving the tear drainage system.

Experiencing constant watery eyes or other symptoms of a tear duct problem? Contact Tower Clock Eye Center at 920-499-3102 to schedule a consultation.

Tear duct disorders can occur at any age and have many possible causes, however, the most common cause in adults is scarring in the tear drain system.

Age-Related Changes

As we age, the puncta and tear drainage passages can become narrower or less effective, contributing to excessive tearing and blockage.

Infection and Inflammation

Chronic inflammation or infections involving the eye, eyelids, nose, or tear drainage system can contribute to narrowing or obstruction.

Previous Surgery or Trauma

Eye, eyelid, nasal, or sinus surgery can sometimes cause scarring that affects tear drainage. Injuries involving the nose or surrounding facial structures can also damage or obstruct the tear drainage pathway.

How Are Tear Duct Disorders Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a tear duct disorder begins with a thorough examination and discussion of your symptoms. 

Depending on your symptoms, testing may include:

• Tear drainage testing: A special dye may be placed in the eye to see how quickly it disappears.
• Tear duct probing and irrigation: A small instrument or saline solution may be used to evaluate whether the drainage system is open.
• Nasal examination: Because the tear duct drains into the nose, examining the nasal passage can help identify structural problems.
• Imaging: In more complex cases, imaging may help identify the location or cause of an obstruction.

An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether your symptoms are caused by a blocked tear duct or another condition.

Treatment depends on where the blockage occurs, what caused it, and how severe it is. Some patients may be treated with medication or a minor procedure while others may benefit from surgery. Treatment may include:

Medication

If an infection is present, antibiotics may be recommended. Treating inflammation or an underlying condition may also be an important part of care.

Tear Duct Dilation and Irrigation

When the opening or drainage passage is narrowed, dilation and irrigation may help open the pathway and restore tear drainage. This can be an appropriate treatment for certain partial obstructions.

Tear Duct Probing or Stenting

Depending on the location and severity of an obstruction, probing or temporary silicone stenting may be used to help establish or maintain an open tear drainage pathway.

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

For many adults with a significant or persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction, a procedure called dacryocystorhinostomy, or DCR, may be recommended.

During DCR surgery, a new pathway is created between the tear drain system and the nasal cavity, allowing tears to bypass the blocked portion of the tear duct and drain into the nose. Depending on the individual anatomy and circumstances, DCR may be performed through a small external incision or through the nose using an endoscopic approach. A temporary stent may also be used during healing.

Expert Care for Tear Duct Disorders in Northeast Wisconsin

Tear drainage problems can interfere with daily activities, cause chronic irritation, and lead to repeated infections. Finding the reason for excessive tearing is the first step toward effective treatment.

Tower Clock Eye Center provides specialized ophthalmic care for patients with tear duct disorders, blocked tear ducts, and other conditions affecting the eyelids and surrounding structures. 

Call 920-499-3102 to schedule a consultation with Tower Clock Eye Center.